Implantation spotting can occur during the early stages of pregnancy while the fertilized egg, or the blastocyst, is attaching to the uterine wall, or endometrium. During this process the blastocyst travels down the fallopian tubes. When it reaches the endometrium, the blastocyst proceeds to attach itself by growing a special kind of flesh called to trophoblast. As the trophoblast begins to connect the uterine wall of the pregnant mother to the fertilized egg, maternal blood begins to be diverted through cavities in the trophoblast. Some of the shallower cavities can leak a small amount of blood at this time, which can be expelled through the vagina in the form of implantation spotting.

Implantation spotting is a fairly normal occurrence for some women in the early stages of pregnancy, usually occurring around six to twelve days after conception. This gives enough time for the blastocyst to travel down the fallopian tube before embedding itself into the sides of your uterine wall. The bleeding should stop on its own after a short time and does not require treatment. However if you think you are pregnant it is generally considered a good idea to verify it with a doctor.

Since implantation spotting happens in the very early stages of pregnancy, many women who do not yet realize they are pregnant, mistake it for their period. Implantation spotting sometimes occurs along with cramping or bloating that can seem to correlate with these suspicions. However implantation spotting is less heavy than period blood and of a different color and consistency. Rather than being a heavy red color, implantation spotting will be a dark pinkish color with a scatty brown discharge.

Other causes of vaginal bleeding besides implantation spotting could be recent sexual intercourse or a pap smear. Women beginning a course of birth control may experience vaginal bleeding for the first few months. If you have just started having your period, adolescents sometimes experience spotting the first few days before their period. Sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal cysts are also known to cause spotting, as are some forms of cancer. Additionally vaginal bleeding by a pregnant woman can occasionally happen as a precursor to a miscarriage if it is accompanied by severe cramping.

You should see a doctor if the vaginal bleeding is particularly heavy and accompanied by severe pain. Pregnant woman should consult with their doctor immediately as soon as possible if they are experiencing vaginal bleeding of some sort. In general if your vagina is bleeding and you were not expecting it, for example you are sure it is not your period, you should probably pay a visit to the doctor.

Implantation spotting is a common occurrence for a small portion of women in the early stages of pregnancy. But it is not something to be overly concerned about so much as the fact that you may be in the early stages of pregnancy. Congratulations. A clinical blood test from a doctor should be able to confirm pregnancy in 3 to 4 days.

Are you pregnant? If so, you’re probably noticing a lot of changes in your body. I mean, a brand new human is forming in your belly – of course your body is going to have to make adjustments!

All of these changes aren’t necessarily good for you, though. For example, the extra food you are required to eat can put a burden on the woman in terms of weight gain. Not only that, your hormonal levels are thrown out of whack during pregnancy, and you can drop into states of depression with nothing at all inducing it.

Pregnancy, since it messes with your hormonal levels, also messes with your period. There’s actually a symptom of pregnancy that looks very similar to a period but isn’t. This symptom often goes unnoticed to the woman – it’s called implantation crossing.

What is implantation crossing?

Once you’re pregnant, the body is doing everything in its power to keep the baby alive, even if it harms you. This is because in prehistoric times, humans were fragile – a newborn baby was often more valuable than an aging woman.

About 8 days after conception, implantation occurs. Implantation is the fertilized egg sticking itself into the lining of the uterus. When the egg does this, it can make a cut. Putting 2 and 2 together, this cut can lead to blood. Implantation crossing is also called implantation bleeding, bleeding when implantation occurs.

Is it a big deal?

Not really. It’s just your body trying to keep a baby alive.

It can be a big deal, though. It’s recommended that you see a doctor when any sort of irregular bleeding occurs, even if you think you have a perfect self diagnosis of it. Doctors can sometimes spot little things that can become problems if not treated early on.

What’s the difference between implantation bleeding and a period?

They’re actually quite different. The only real similarity is the blood and cramping.

A period is the woman’s body doing what it needs to do in order to be able to reproduce. Without a period, women are often unhealthy.

Implantation bleeding is just a common symptom of pregnancy. If you don’t get it, don’t worry about it.

Other facts about implantation bleeding

It happens roughly 7 to 10 days after conception

The blood can be multiple colors

It can lead to infection

Overall, implantation bleeding isn’t very serious, but it’s not a laughing matter. If you experience anything irregular, see a doctor as soon as you can. Doctors, especially paternal doctors, have been studying pregnancy their entire lives. While you might think you have a grasp on your problem by self diagnosing, it could potentially be wrong. When in doubt, see a doctor!